Consumable Storage Mechanism With Movable Loading Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing consumable feeding systems in sample analyzers, such as immunoassay analyzers, require large drawer structures that occupy significant space and burden the sliding rails, leading to deformation and damage.
Innovation Solution
A storage mechanism with a movable loading assembly that can switch between open and closed states, allowing for partial protrusion and automated conveyance of consumables, reducing the need for full drawer extraction and minimizing the load on sliding rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a drawer structure is used to accommodate multiple consumables, then the storage capacity is improved, but the occupied space increases and the sliding rail burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer structure is divided into a storage body and a separate loading assembly. The loading assembly can be moved independently to load consumables, while the storage body remains stationary. This segmentation allows the storage capacity to be maintained while reducing the need for the entire structure to be pulled out, thus reducing occupied space and sliding rail burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading assembly is designed to be movable relative to the storage body, transitioning between a first state (protruding from storage channel) and a second state (retracted into storage channel). This dynamic design allows the loading assembly to be pulled out only when needed for loading, rather than requiring the entire drawer to be extracted, thereby reducing occupied space during storage and operation.
2Ease of operation
If a drawer structure is completely pulled out for consumable loading, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sliding rail burden increases leading to deformation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The loading function is separated from the storage function. The loading assembly, which is the part that needs to be pulled out for loading, is made movable relative to the stationary storage body. This segmentation ensures that only the necessary component is subjected to sliding rail forces, reducing the overall burden on the sliding rail and preventing deformation and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading assembly transitions between a first state (protruding from storage channel, allowing easy loading) and a second state (retracted into storage channel). This dynamic state change allows easy operation when needed while minimizing the time and force exposure on the sliding rail, thereby preserving sliding rail durability.
3Ease of operation
If the loading assembly protrudes completely from the storage channel, then the ease of loading is improved, but the occupied space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading assembly is designed to protrude from the storage channel only when needed for loading (first state), and then retract into the storage channel (second state). This dynamic positioning allows easy loading operation when required while minimizing the occupied space during storage and non-loading periods, effectively resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and space occupation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces space occupation and prevents deformation of sliding rails by allowing for automated and efficient consumable conveyance, ensuring continuous operation with reduced manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the loading assembly is slidably disposed on the storage body, and the loading assembly slides relative to the storage body
Implementation Method 2
the loading conveyor belt conveys the loaded consumable to the storage conveyor belt
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a storage mechanism, a consumable feeding system, and a sample analyzer. The storage mechanism includes: a storage assembly which includes a storage body, wherein the storage body is provided with a storage channel; and a loading assembly which is movably disposed on the storage body. The storage mechanism has a first state and a second state. When the storage mechanism is in the first state, the loading assembly opens an inlet of the storage channel, the loading assembly at least partially protrudes from the storage channel, and the loading assembly can convey a loaded consumable into the storage channel. When the storage mechanism is in the second state, the loading assembly closes the inlet of the storage channel. The storage mechanism, consumable feeding system, and sample analyzer provided by the present invention can reduce an occupied space and relieve the burden of a sliding rail.